Keystone Boxing was founded in 2016 by owner and head coach Jose Tilapa, an immigrant from Mexico who came to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream.

Before Keystone Boxing existed, Jose had already experienced success in Mexico. But when he moved to the U.S., he quickly realized that the career path he had built no longer existed in the same way. Like many immigrants, he was forced to start over from the beginning—working long hours washing dishes and working in a pizza shop, carrying the weight of frustration, uncertainty, and moments of depression that come with rebuilding a life from scratch.

During that difficult period, Jose returned to what had helped him overcome struggles growing up in Mexico: boxing.

Boxing became more than a workout—it became structure, discipline, and purpose. Through years of training and learning, Jose began coaching at different gyms across the area. His dedication and leadership eventually led him to become a general manager at a local athletic club, gaining experience not just as a coach, but as a leader.

That experience planted a bigger vision.

Jose knew that coaching and owning a business were two very different challenges—but he also knew that the community deserved something more than just another gym. In 2016, he took the leap and opened Keystone Boxing.